So, here’s the thing: I never thought I’d be the type to travel solo. Me? Alone? In a foreign country? No way. I was the girl who double-checked the locks at night and always had a backup plan for my backup plan. But life has a funny way of pushing you out of your comfort zone, and let me tell you, it’s the best thing that ever happened to me. 🌍✨
It all started with a breakup. Classic, right? I was heartbroken, feeling lost, and honestly, a little bored with my routine. One night, while scrolling through Instagram (as one does), I stumbled upon this photo of a woman standing on a cliff in Iceland, her hair whipping in the wind, looking like she owned the world. That was it. I decided I needed my own “I’m the main character” moment.
Fast forward a few weeks, and there I was, boarding a flight to Portugal with nothing but a backpack and a vague plan. I won’t lie—I was terrified. What if I got lost? What if I got lonely? What if I hated it? But as soon as I stepped off that plane, something shifted. I realized that being alone didn’t mean being lonely. In fact, it was the opposite. I was free.
One of the first things I noticed was how differently people treated me as a solo female traveler. At first, I was wary—years of “be careful” warnings from well-meaning friends and family had me on edge. But what I found was a world of kindness. Strangers offered to take my photo, locals recommended hidden gems, and fellow travelers invited me to join their adventures. It was like the universe was saying, “Hey, you’re not alone—we’ve got your back.”
One of my favorite moments was in Lisbon. I was wandering through the Alfama district, getting lost in the maze of narrow streets, when I stumbled upon a tiny café. The owner, an older woman with a warm smile, gestured for me to sit down. We didn’t speak the same language, but she brought me a plate of pastéis de nata and a glass of port wine. We sat there in comfortable silence, just enjoying the moment. It was a reminder that connection doesn’t always need words.
But solo travel isn’t all Instagram-worthy sunsets and serendipitous encounters. There were moments of frustration, too. Like the time I missed my train in Spain and had to figure out an entirely new route. Or the time I got caught in a sudden rainstorm in Scotland and had to duck into a pub to dry off. But those moments taught me resilience. They taught me that I could handle whatever came my way.
One of the most profound lessons I learned was how to be my own best company. At home, I was always surrounded by people—friends, family, coworkers. But on the road, it was just me. And you know what? I liked her. I liked the way she navigated unfamiliar streets, the way she struck up conversations with strangers, the way she embraced the unknown. Solo travel gave me the space to rediscover myself, away from the noise of everyday life.
Another thing I loved about solo travel was the sense of empowerment it gave me. There’s something incredibly liberating about knowing you can rely on yourself. Whether it was figuring out public transportation in a foreign language or hiking up a mountain at sunrise, every challenge I faced made me feel stronger. It’s like I was collecting little victories along the way, each one building my confidence.
And let’s talk about the food. Oh, the food. One of the best parts of traveling alone is that you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want. No compromising, no debating—just pure indulgence. I still dream about the tapas in Barcelona, the gelato in Rome, and the currywurst in Berlin. Food became a way for me to connect with the culture and, honestly, with myself.
Of course, there were moments of doubt. Like the time I got sick in Croatia and had to navigate a foreign healthcare system. Or the time I felt homesick and wondered if I should just book a flight back. But those moments passed, and what stayed with me were the memories of all the incredible things I’d experienced.
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s that solo travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about seeing yourself in a new light. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and realizing how capable you are. It’s about embracing the unknown and finding beauty in the unexpected.
So, if you’ve ever thought about traveling alone but hesitated, I’m here to tell you: do it. Pack your bags, book that ticket, and go. You might just discover that the best company you’ll ever have is yourself.